Sarah B, a flight attendant from Mauritius who works for Emirates, suggests the optimal time to use the airplane restroom is after the initial meal service. At this point, most passengers have finished eating and are settling in to watch movies or sleep, resulting in shorter lines and less waiting.

She also recommends going "right before the landing announcement" to avoid peak times, although this requires monitoring the flight map and timing it accordingly.

Inside an airplane restroom. Photo: Aircraft interiors international

Inside an airplane restroom. Photo: Aircraft interiors international

Rani Cheema, a frequent long-haul traveler and travel consultant, advises using the restroom "as many times as possible before boarding." During the flight, she prefers using the facilities when most passengers are asleep. She also opts for the restrooms at the back of the plane, as they tend to be less crowded due to their less visible location. Restrooms at the front and middle of the cabin are more frequently used due to their higher visibility, often resulting in longer queues.

"I usually head straight to the back," she said.

Sarah B adds that restrooms are off-limits during takeoff and landing due to the increased risk of incidents during these critical phases of flight. Passengers should also avoid using the restroom during turbulence when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Many passengers attempt to use the restroom during meal service. Upon returning to their seats, they often find their path blocked by the service carts and are forced to wait. Sarah B recommends avoiding this timing.

She also discourages using the restroom after the second meal service on long flights. Typically, landing occurs 60 to 90 minutes after this service, leading to long restroom queues.

"As soon as the captain announces the descent, everyone rushes to the restroom," she said.

Anh Minh (Travel & Leisure, DM)